Honeylocust pod gall midge—Dasineura gleditschiae
Honeylocust pod gall midge adults are tiny, delicate flies, often with long, slender antennae.
Damage
Feeding by larvae of the honeylocust pod gall midge causes honey locust leaflets to form galls, each
containing one to several small, pinkish white maggots. Heavily infested foliage turns brown and drops
prematurely, leaving parts of branches leafless. Galls are most apparent early in the growing season.
Solutions
Because the honeylocust pod gall midge has many generations annually and larvae are protected from sprays,
this insect is not effectively controlled with insecticides. However, horticultural
oils can be effective
against eggs if applied early in the season shortly after the eggs are laid. In California eggs may be
laid as early as mid-February. Apply when small red eggs are observed on new growth or when adult midges
are seen swarming around the trees. Several applications may be needed. Established trees are rarely if
ever killed, so damage, although unsightly, can be tolerated. Consider planting alternative species or
varieties in landscapes where the plant aesthetic value is high. |
Adult honeylocust pod gall midge |
Distorted terminals |
 Empty
midge pupal cases |
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